by Marea E. Johnson

Created on: January 09, 2009   Last Updated: April 11, 2011

We are all familiar with the mantra, "eat less, move more, and you will lose weight". Sounds pretty simple. And you know what? It is; at least in theory. But what about when you have to "apply" that theory? This is the part that we have difficulty with.

I'm sure most of us have been in this situation. We're feeling positive and motivated, so we sit down and write out our weight loss goals, a menu, and go out and buy all the "right" foods. We just "know" that this is going to be "the time" we're gonna do it for sure, no if's and's or but's. And we do; for the first four days. Then something happens, (we're never sure what) and we find ourselves back to our old eating habits.

So what went wrong? I mean, it sounded so good as an idea, and it looked even better on paper, but when it came to actually having to apply our theory, the application of it turned out to be much more difficult than we could have ever guessed. And the fact that the concept of weight loss IS (in theory!) so simple, makes it all the more frustrating and demeaning when again, we have "failed".

The truth is, losing weight isn't rocket science, and anyone (in theory!) should be able to lose weight. If we look at it as a matter of simple mathematics, and reduce the amount of calories we consume, while increasing the amount we burn, then we should, (theoretically!) be well on our way to a slimmer physique. But alas, life is never that simple.

I personally think, as a serial dieter, that the most difficult part of losing weight is having the patience to lose it at a sensible pace, which is a lot like watching paint dry. I don't know about you, but I become very impatient, very quickly, when I'm depriving myself all week to only see a loss of two pounds! It requires the patience of a saint!

I know most people trying to lose weight feel much the same way, and it's horribly frustrating. But we really have no other options, unless you want to go on some crazy crash diet which may take off two pounds a day, only to be put right back on when we drink a glass of water. Then we end up not only gaining back the weight we lost, but a few extra pounds as well!

So while the "concept" of losing weight is rather simple, it's the application of it, and the patience required to stay with it that's the hard part.

So then what are we to do? As usual, only the best we can. And when we slip up, which we will invariably do, over and over, we have to give ourselves a break, not throw in the towel, and just get back on

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